American Indian Artists Inc. Presents William Shakespeare's THE WINTER'S TALE

Rehearsals have begun for AMERINDA (American Indian Artists) Inc.'s production of William Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, directed by Madeline Sayet (Mohegan, with new songs written by Ty Defoe (Oneida/Ojibwe), previews begin Dec 2nd.

In this current moment of political and environmental turmoil, Amerinda (American Indian Artists) inc. is reimagining the multi-generational story of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" as Native artists. What if in the next generation we return to traditional ways, take care of the earth, and make the world better? In this production, directed by Madeline Sayet (Mohegan), an all-Native cast comes together to explore what is passed down and how to restore a broken cycle. Through Shakespeare's text and original new songs by Ty Defoe (Oneida/Ojibwe), we set off on a journey that asks what the rules of our time are and should be.

IThe production stars: Wyatt Ash-Milby, Andi Bohs, Joe Cross, Jake Hart, Joanne Henry, Michelle Honaker, Dawn Jamieson, Wolfen De Kastro, Gloria Miguel, Jen Olivares, Tanis Parenteau, Zaida Rio Polanco. The design and production staff includes Ty Defoe and Tidtaya Sinutoke (Original Music), Brett Hecksher (Production Manager), Rebecca Phillips (Set), Asa Benally (Costumes), Daisy Long (Lighting), Patrick LaChance (Sound), Brittany Coyne (Stage Manager), and Tyree Giroux (Dramaturg).

Madeline Sayet is a 2016 National Directing Fellow, TED Fellow, and MIT Media Lab Director's Fellow. She has previously been honored as a White House Champion of Change, National Arts Strategies Creative Community Fellow and Van Lier Directing Fellow at Second Stage. Recent directing includes: Poppea (Lyric Theatre, Krannert Center), Macbeth (NYC Parks/HERE), The Magic Flute (Glimmerglass), Powwow Highway (HERE), Daughters of Leda (IRT), Miss Lead (59e59).

American Indian Artists Inc. (AMERINDA) established in 1987, is a community-based multi-arts organization that works to empower Native Americans and foster intercultural understanding of Native culture. Located in New York, AMERINDA is the only American Indian community-based arts organization of its kind in the US, and has been widely recognized for its artistic and cultural integrity. AMERINDA Theater produces staged readings and full productions of new plays by Native American Playwrights. In addition to continuing this vital work, AMERINDA launched their first Native Shakespeare Ensemble in 2015 with Macbeth. The ensemble focuses on full productions that re-imagine the original text.

This production is a part of the Sublet Series@HERE, HERE's curated rental program, which provides artists with subsidized space and equipment, as well as technical support.

THE WINTER'S TALE runs December 2-17th, Wednesday - Ssaturday at 6:30pm and Sunday at 1pm. HERE Arts Center is located at 145 Avenue of Americas at Dominick Street, one block south of Spring Street (accessible from the C,E trains at Spring Street). The box office is open after 5pm on show days or 2 hours before any performance. Tickets are $18, available at 212-352-3101 or www.here.org.